Getting the documents right is the step that determines whether a purchase moves forward cleanly or stalls at the notary. The paperwork for a Greek property purchase divides into three categories: the documents every buyer needs, the additional requirements for non-EU buyers purchasing in designated border areas, and the additional requirements for company purchases. The following sets out each category in full.
Documents required to buy a house in Greece
When buying a house in Greece, you will need to provide a specific set of personal, tax and procedural documents. Some are standard international documents, while others are issued exclusively by Greek authorities. Preparing them in advance is essential to avoid delays and ensure a smooth purchase process.
The required documents include:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Greek tax number (AFM)
- Proof of tax registration status
- Greek bank account (in most cases)
- Power of Attorney (optional but commonly used)
- Proof of funds and payment documentation
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Additional documents depending on the buyer’s profile and transaction
Valid passport or national ID
To identify the buyer and complete all legal and tax formalities related to the purchase, a valid passport or national identity card is required. The document must be valid at the time of signing, and will be used by the tax authorities, notary and land registry.
For non-EU citizens, a passport is mandatory. EU citizens may use a national ID card where accepted, although a passport is often preferred to ensure consistency across procedures.
Greek tax number (AFM)
The AFM (Arithmós Forologikoú Mitróou) is the Greek tax identification number, which is mandatory for anyone looking to buy property in Greece. It is required for declaring and paying taxes, signing the purchase deed and registering ownership.
The AFM is issued by the Greek tax authorities and can be obtained in person or via a legal representative acting under a power of attorney. Once issued, the AFM remains valid indefinitely for all future tax-related matters in Greece.
Proof of tax registration status
In addition to registering with the AFM, buyers must register with the Greek tax system and be assigned to the relevant tax office. This registration enables the authorities to issue tax assessments, including property transfer tax and annual property tax (ENFIA).
For foreign buyers, this step is largely administrative, yet it is essential for completing the transaction and ensuring compliance with Greek tax obligations.
Greek bank account
In most cases, buyers are required to have a Greek bank account. This account is used to pay purchase-related taxes and notary fees, and the purchase price itself where applicable, in line with anti-money laundering regulations.
Typically, opening a Greek bank account requires identification documents, an AFM and proof of address. These requirements may vary depending on the bank and the buyer’s country of residence.
Power of Attorney (optional but strongly recommended)
A Power of Attorney (PoA) enables a lawyer or other representative to act on the buyer’s behalf throughout the purchase process. While not mandatory, it is commonly used by foreign buyers.
With a PoA, the representative can obtain the AFM, open a Greek bank account where permitted, sign both preliminary and final contracts, and pay taxes and complete registrations on the buyer’s behalf.
A Power of Attorney can be issued either in Greece before a notary or abroad before a local notary, and then legalised with an apostille or consular certification, depending on the country. Using a PoA enables buyers to complete the transaction without having to be physically present in Greece, thus reducing the need for last-minute travel or the use of translators.
Proof of funds and payment documentation
Under Greek law, clear documentation of how the purchase funds are transferred is required. Buyers must provide evidence that payments are made via the banking system in accordance with anti-money laundering regulations.
This usually involves providing bank transfer confirmations and statements showing the origin and movement of the funds used for the purchase.
Declaration on the origin of funds
In addition to the bank transfer documentation, buyers must provide a declaration confirming that the funds used for the purchase are of lawful origin. This declaration is linked to anti-money laundering obligations and is usually signed before or at completion.
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
If the buyer is married, they may be required to provide a marriage certificate, particularly if the purchase affects marital property regimes or if both spouses are involved in the transaction.
Additional documentation may sometimes be required to clarify whether the property is being acquired jointly or individually under the applicable matrimonial property system.
Additional documents depending on the buyer and transaction
Depending on the buyer’s nationality and tax residence, as well as the nature of the transaction, further documents may be required. These can include residence permits, company documentation (if purchasing through a legal entity) and declarations required under specific tax or immigration regimes.
A preliminary legal review helps to identify any additional documentation required early on and ensures that all requirements are met before signing.
Additional documents for non-EU buyers purchasing property in Greek border areas
Additional requirements are imposed by Greek law when non-EU citizens purchase property in certain designated border areas. These rules are linked to national security considerations and apply to buyers residing in Greece or abroad.
Border areas include regions close to Greece’s external borders, such as parts of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, certain Aegean islands and other sensitive locations. While the restrictions do not prohibit purchases outright, they do require prior authorisation and additional documentation before the transaction can proceed.
The following documents are required:
- Application for border area purchase authorisation
- Copy of valid passport and residence status documentation
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin
- Statement of intended use of the property
- Additional supporting documents requested by authorities
As border area authorisation can take time and involves an administrative review, non-EU buyers considering properties in these regions should identify this requirement early on. Proper planning and legal assistance will help to ensure that the additional documentation is prepared correctly and that the purchase timeline remains realistic.
Application for border area purchase authorisation
Non-EU buyers must submit a formal application for permission to purchase property in a designated border area. This authorisation must be obtained before the final purchase deed is signed.
The application will be reviewed by the relevant regional authority, which will assess the buyer’s eligibility under the applicable security regulations. Without this approval, the notary cannot proceed with the transfer of ownership.
Copy of valid passport and residence status documentation
As part of the authorisation process, a copy of the buyer’s valid passport is required. In some cases, additional documentation confirming the buyer’s residence status or immigration position may also be requested.
These documents are required at the application stage to verify the buyer’s identity and nationality for the purposes of the border area review.
Criminal record certificate from the country of origin
Non-EU buyers are usually required to provide a criminal record certificate issued by the relevant authorities in their country of nationality or long-term residence.
This certificate must be recent and may need to be legalised or apostilled depending on the issuing country. The certificate is submitted with the authorisation application and forms part of the background checks carried out by the authorities.
Statement of intended use of the property
A written statement explaining how the property will be used is usually required. This includes information on whether the property will be used as a private residence, holiday home or for another lawful purpose.
The document is submitted as part of the authorisation request and helps the relevant authorities to assess the nature of the intended ownership.
Additional supporting documents (case-specific)
Depending on the property’s location and the buyer’s profile, the authorities may request additional documentation. This may include maps, property descriptions or information about the buyer’s activities.
Additional documents when purchasing property in Greece through a company
Additional documentation is required when a property in Greece is purchased by a legal entity rather than an individual, in order to verify the company’s legal existence, representation, and tax status. These requirements apply to both Greek and foreign companies, and the relevant documentation must be provided before the purchase deed is signed.
While buying through a company is common for investment, asset structuring, or tax planning purposes, it does involve a higher level of documentation and formal checks by the notary, tax authorities, and land registry.
These additional documents are:
- Company incorporation documents
- Certificate of good standing / legal existence
- Articles of association and amendments
- Resolution authorising the property purchase
- Appointment and identification of legal representative
- Greek tax number (AFM) for the company
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration
As company purchases involve multiple layers of verification and formal documentation, preparation should begin well in advance. Early legal coordination helps to ensure that corporate documents are correctly structured, translated and accepted by the Greek authorities without impacting the purchase timeline.
Company incorporation documents
To prove that the company legally exists, official incorporation documents are required. These usually include a certificate of incorporation, which is issued by the relevant commercial or corporate registry.
These documents are usually required at the early due diligence stage and must be translated into Greek, and apostilled or otherwise legalised where applicable.
Certificate of good standing or legal existence
A certificate of good standing (or an equivalent document) confirms that the company is active and duly registered, and that it is not in the process of being dissolved or liquidated.
This document is usually required just before the signing takes place, and it must be recent as notaries often require confirmation that the company is still valid at the time of the transaction.
Articles of association and amendments
The company’s articles of association, together with any amendments, must be verified in order to confirm the company’s purpose, governance rules and powers.
These documents enable the notary to confirm that the company is legally permitted to acquire real estate and that the transaction is within its remit. They are reviewed before the purchase deed is drafted.
Resolution authorising the property purchase
A formal resolution from the relevant company body (e.g. the board of directors or shareholders) authorising the purchase of the property in question is required.
This resolution must clearly identify the property in question and appoint the person authorised to sign on behalf of the company. This document is required before the purchase deed is signed and is essential for notarial verification.
Appointment and identification of legal representative
The person who will sign the purchase deed on behalf of the company must be formally appointed and properly identified.
This involves providing identification documents and, where applicable, a power of attorney. These documents must be consistent with the company’s resolution and articles of association, and are required at the signing stage.
Greek tax number (AFM) for the company
Before completing the transaction, the purchasing company must obtain a Greek tax number (AFM). This is mandatory for declaring and paying purchase taxes, as well as for registering ownership.
The AFM must be obtained before any tax declarations are made or documents are signed, and it can be obtained through a legal representative acting under a power of attorney.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner declaration
As part of anti-money laundering compliance, Greek law requires the disclosure of a company’s ultimate beneficial owners.
The ultimate beneficial owner declaration identifies those individuals who ultimately control or own the company, and it must be completed before the purchase deed is signed. Failure to comply may result in the transaction being delayed or blocked.
How We Can Help You with the Documents to Buy a House in Greece
Getting the paperwork right is not an afterthought — it is one of the first practical steps, and one of the most common sources of delay when it is not managed from the beginning. Which documents are needed, in what form, by which deadline, and from which authority depends on who is buying, what they are buying, and where. An In-Depth Property Consultation clarifies exactly which documents apply to your situation before you start the process, so nothing is missing when it matters.
